The U.S. Senate has rejected a $1.2 trillion spending bill which included $750,000 for a Baton Rouge interstate project.

The money would have been used to build an interchange at the Pecue Lane overpass. The added exit and entrance ramps were expected to relieve traffic on I-10 and on surface streets like Perkins.

East Baton Rouge Parish Public Works Director Pete Newkirk says more than $400,000 is being spent on environmental studies. He says that work started last summer will take two to three years to complete.

He says that leaves more time to iron out other money issues. Newkirk predicts the total project will cost about $60 million so he says the money will have to be approved through several agencies.

The public works director says several projects are being constructed in the same area. He says that makes the design phase more complex.